69th Annual State Conference

 SUNDAY SPICE CLASS (Registration Required - $25.00)

On Sunday, we’re offering two spice class sessions, one from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM and another from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. In these sessions, attendees will learn everything they need to know about making their own custom spice blends to enhance their recipes and menus. This includes learning how long spices can be saved, the differences between fresh and dried, recipe scaling, and how to properly store spices. Attendees will use bulk herbs and spice to create their own spice blends which they will be able to take home and experiment with in their kitchens.

WELCOME RECEPTION

All attendees and industry members are invited to a Welcome Reception on Monday from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Join us for a fun and casual evening of connection and delicious hors d’oeuvres as we officially open the conference. Whether it’s your first time attending or you're a seasoned MSNA pro, this is the perfect chance to meet new faces and reunite with familiar ones. 

TUESDAY TOURS (Registration Required)

TOUR 1: Farm-to-School Culinary Training Tour at Zepole | 725 Crescent St. NE. St. Cloud, MN | Tuesday, August 4  from 3:30 - 5:30 PM

Join us for a fun, immersive training designed to build your Farm to School knowledge and confidence in the kitchen! Whether you’re new to buying and prepping local produce or simply looking to learn fresh tips and tricks, this two-part training is for you. Participants will rotate through a hands-on culinary session featuring local produce and an interactive classroom segment with practical guidance on ordering, receiving, and storing local foods.

TOUR 2: Information to come!

MELON MAYHEM: TEAM CHALLENGE SHOWDOWN

In this high-energy, interactive session on Tuesday from 2:15 - 3:45 PM, participants will take part in a series of fun, melon-themed team challenges designed to build collaboration, communication, and creativity. Teams will work together to solve problems, complete quick nutrition-based activities, and race against the clock all with a fresh and playful twist.

Each challenge encourages participants to think on their feet while reinforcing key school nutrition concepts in an engaging, memorable way. By the end of the session, teams will have strengthened connections, shared plenty of laughs, and walked away with ideas they can bring back to their own programs.

WELLNESS WALK (Registration Required)

Morning Wellness Walk - Wednesday 7:00 AM | Get a fresh start to Wednesday by participating in a guided Wellness Walk along the river led by Visit St. Cloud. Reconnect with colleagues, enjoy the fresh air, and rejuvenate your mind and body before heading into the day's sessions. All fitness levels welcome.

 FITNESS BOOT CAMP (Registration Required)

Fitness Boot Camp - Wednesday 6:45 AM | Kickstart your day with a high-energy, all-levels workout combines cardio, strength, and mobility exercises to boost your metabolism and mental focus. Led by Callie Neumann, Simplot, AFAA Certified, it's the perfect way to wake up your body and mind before a day of learning and networking. No equipment needed - just bring your water bottle and enthusiasm!

SCAVENGER HUNT

Get ready to explore downtown St. Cloud like never before. More details coming soon!

GIFT BASKET RAFFLE

The Raffle Basket Fundraiser gives you the chance to win amazing prizes while making a difference. Tickets are just $2 each, and you may add your ticket to your basket of preference. To keep the energy up throughout the conference, we’ll hold multiple drawings from Monday through Wednesday. All proceeds support scholarship winners.

Sign up to donate a basket today. Thank you for helping build a brighter future for school nutrition.